How to Buy flowers for your girlfriend

Sure, you can go online and send the first flowers you see, but a little thought and planning will go a long way toward impressing her. Sure, you can go online and send the first flowers you see, but a little thought and planning will go a long way toward impressing her. You will need a friend or relative of the recipient. Send her favorite. If she's ever mentioned a favorite flower, buy that. You'll get bonus points for listening to her. If you have no clue, ask a friend or relative of hers what she likes. If you can think of a bloom related to your relationship, like the ones on the table on your first date, send those with a card noting the connection. Get out of the rose rut Resist the urge to send roses, which don't show much imagination. Surveys show that when women buy flowers for themselves, they usually select more exotic blooms.

If you want to send a fragrant flower, go for gardenias, lilies of the valley, lilacs, freesia, or sweet peas. Hardy tropical types that won't wilt overnight include Anthuriums, birds of paradise, and ginger. Bouvardias, Chrysanthemums, and Gerbera daisies are also long-lasting.

Think about the message. Forget-me-nots stand for faithful love, gardenias say, "I love you in secret," hibiscus represent delicate beauty, and sunflowers signal devotion. Color counts, too. Red means love, orange signals desire, pink conveys appreciation, yellow means friendship, and white represents purity. A pretty bouquet doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but beware of carnations. Because they're so inexpensive, they can make you look cheap.

Buy local. Take time to visit a local florist rather than calling an 800 number or ordering online. She's more apt to get fresh, quality flowers, plus you'll be able to write the card yourself—a gallant touch she'll